2019 Texas Association of School Board Administrators Midwinter Conference

January 27th – 30th | Austin, TX

Dr. Robert Bayard – Chief Technology Officer, Clear Creek ISD

Karen Permetti – Assistant Superintendent Strategic Operations & Engagement, Midlothian ISD

Jimmy Simpson, Jr. – Partnerships, YouthTruth

About the session

We know that engagement is the key to moving the needle on student achievement. But is “engagement” an elusive intangible or an indicator that can be strategically levered for improvement? From an equity standpoint, how can we make sure that all students are engaged? Since there’s no one-size-fits all solution, this discussion offers proven models from blended learning, to student perception data mining, to STEM supports.

About the speakers

Robert Bayard, Ph.D. 

Dr. Robert Bayard serves as Chief Technology Officer for Clear Creek Independent School District in Texas.

Karen Permetti

Karen Permetti began her career in education working on communications for Clear Creek Independent School District in Texas in 2003. Prior to her current role as Assistant Superintendent Strategic Initiatives & Engagement for Midlothian Independent School District, she served as the district’s Chief Communications Officer. Previously, she has worked in marketing and communication for Lewisville Independent School District, served as the Communications and Engagement Specialist for Engage2Learn, and managed Data Projection’s marketing and communications.

Jimmy Simpson, Jr.

Jimmy Simpson, Jr.’s passion for education, advocacy and public speaking has allowed him to reach thousands of people all across the country. He has presented on topics ranging from the restoration of marshes in southern Iraq to the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Before joining YouthTruth, Jimmy brought environmental education to San Francisco’s public schools as an outdoor science teacher where he taught Kindergarten through 5th grade and helped create an NGSS-aligned science curriculum. After teaching, Jimmy provided coaching and professional development to science teachers throughout the Bay Area. He has also served as an AmeriCorps and FEMA team manager to provide disaster relief services in New York, Maryland, and Missouri. Jimmy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a BA in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. As a Partnerships Lead, Jimmy’s teaching, curriculum development, and facilitation skills are put to good use as he supports school and district leadership in using student and family feedback data to create change.